Golden Gate
Golden Gate Highlands National Park , at the foot of the Maluti Mountains of the Free State , is another destination to consider for a snow experience . This is a three-hour drive from either Johannesburg or Durban . Although Golden Gate does sometimes experience heavy snow , it might be good to first check weather reports as snow is sometimes only on the mountain peaks . In other years , however , snow of more than 30 cm deep has been reported in the park .
Matroosberg and Cederberg
For Capetonians who would like to see snow , but not travel across the country to do so , heading towards the Matroosberg near Ceres , is an option . What makes this an attractive spot to go and see snow , is that it is easily accessible by road . There is also a private ski slope for those who want to try skiing . Matroosberg is just a two-hour drive from Cape Town . Another option is a visit to the Cederberg about 300 km north of Cape Town . Snow can often be seen on these peaks between May and September .
Lesotho
Another option for a good snow experience is heading to one of our neighbouring countries – Lesotho . Just over a five-hour drive from Johannesburg , the Afriski Mountain Resort offers plenty of snow in winter .
Note , however , that you will need your passport for this trip , but no visa is necessary . From South Africa , use the Caledonspoort border near Bethlehem and Fouriesburg . Lesotho is also about a five-hour drive from Durban and a longer 14-hour drive from Cape Town .
Lesotho is another destination if you want to see more than snow and venture into ice climbing .
Go on – get in your car and take a snowy Sho ’ t Left this winter !
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